The studs: Jessica Pixler (Seattle Pacific) in the 800 and 1,500; Reuben Mwei (Adams State) in the steeple and 5,000; and Daniel Kirwa (Harding) in the 5,000 and 10,000. These three will win at least four national titles between them. Little surprise that poll voters picked the men's 5k as the "race to watch." Throw in Micheal Crouch (Queens) and it could be special.
The Home Team: Queens won't be on campus, but they'll be a 15-minute drive from the track at Johnson C. Smith University. That could produce some local national champions (Johnson C. Smith has a shot in the relays). Don't be surprised if Crouch, Tanya Zeferjahn (5k and 10k), Meagan Nedlo (5k and 10k) or Simon Stuetzel (1,500) win.
The Last Lap: The men's 5,000 isn't the only event likely to come down to the last lap. The men's 1,500 is wide open, with fast finishers Micheal Graham (Adams State) and Michael Wickman (Chico State). Anthony Luna (Metro State) will ensure a hectic finish in the 800. Will Zeferjahn rise up against Neely Spence (Shippensburg)? Could the entire field be together on the last lap of the women's steeple?
The Schedule: Isn't my favorite. After opening night 10k finals Thursday, there's nothing until Saturday, excepting prelims. Mwei has a tough double. Good thing he's plenty tough.
1500: Graham and Wickman are doubling. as past experience has shown, the top two times in an event are not always the best indicator of favorites, last year andrew graham ran like a 4:20 in the 1500 prelim after a 3:45 the week before. The second place finisher from the indoor mile is in the race and is not doubling. Wickman has never shown a killer kick.
ReplyDeleteWickman was 3rd last year and is the top returner, Graham ran 1:49 and 3:50 on the same day this year, and McNiff had a couple of 1:53s. I suppose it depends on what kind of race it is. Who's got the killer kick?
ReplyDelete